For the buyer who wishes to compete in Historic events, it comes with its FIA ‘passport’ as well as an immaculate history. It would be ideal for the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic and other such important competitions, and its current price tag compares very favourably with the similar (but smaller, 750cc displacement) Moretti Barchetta sold at Bonhams in Monaco in May 2006 for €214,000…Finished in Rosso Corsa with an immaculate and surprisingly spacious black interior, and running on 15” Borrani Record wire wheels, this car looks not unlike a smaller scale Ferrari 166 Barchetta but will leave the new owner with rather more spare change. A great value entry ticket to the very best events.

This car, ST 444 BC, was imported to New England, USA, and raced into the 1960s at such circuits at Bridgehampton, Lime Rock and Watkins Glen before being stored in a barn.

The last (Italo-American) owner acquired it in 1995, brought it into race trim and drove it in Vintage Sports Car Club of America events and European races including the Trofeo Ascari at Monza. It was imported to Italy in 1997 and entered the specialist care of Mario Galbiati of CMG who has undertaken a complete restoration.

The work was completed in 2001 when Auto Colombo of Milan modified the engine to ‘run green.’ It has therefore been returned to the spirit in which it was first made, a car which can be used for a drive in the country and also raced.

In May 2001 the car was acquired via Simon Kidston by the current owner, an Italian collector who has never driven it. Regular maintenance has however been carried out by his full time mechanic and the car is now French road registered.